Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Roger Kemp completes a practice run for a firefighter combat challenge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. Kemp, along with other 4th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, practice the same tasks repeatedly to build endurance. Kemp, 4th CES fire protection crew chief, is a native of Chicago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Denae Calmes pulls a rope at the burn tower as she practices for a firefighter combat challenge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. During the challenge in mid-August, Calmes will have to hoist a 42-pound fire hose attached to a rope. Calmes, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, hails from High Point, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Skipper Valentin-Cruzado simulates chopping with a shot mallet as he practices for a mid-August firefighter combat challenge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. The chopping part of the challenge imitates forcible entry, a common task for firefighters when attempting to enter a burning building. Valentin-Cruzado, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of logistics, hails from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Denae Calmes carries a high rise pack up a staircase at the burn tower in preparation for a firefighter combat challenge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. During the challenge firefighters worldwide will compete in five firefighting tasks during a timed competition. Calmes, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, hails from High Point, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Skipper Valentin-Cruzado watches Marcus Sheppard practice for a firefighter combat challenge at the burn tower on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. Firefighters from the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron will compete against several other fire stations in August. Valentin-Cruzado, 4th CES NCO in charge of logistics, hails from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Sheppard, 4th CES lead firefighter, is a native of Goldsboro, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Denae Calmes runs around a cone as her final task during practice for a firefighter combat challenge on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., June 5, 2012. The strategically placed cones represent fire hydrants. Calmes, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, hails from High Point, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)

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Practice makes perfect

Published June 7, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C -- When things heat up, the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection flight is the one to call. Flight members are working to take their life-saving skills to another level by preparing for the upcoming Scott Safety Firefighter Combat Challenge.

The competition, which takes place in West Virginia in August, includes Department of Defense and civilian fire fighting teams from all over the world who demonstrate five, life-saving tasks during a timed relay. The tasks include high-rise pack carry, hose hoist, forcible entry, hose advance and victim rescue.

To prepare for the competition a team of five Airmen practice the same tasks several times a week in order to build endurance.